Not all Coptic youths on board with church's support of Sisi
As Egypt's presidential election approaches, some Coptic youths have decided to boycott the polls even as the Orthodox Coptic Church seems to be taking a strong stance in favor of President Sisi.
CAIRO — The last time Bishoy William went to church was two years ago. Like many of his peers in Egypt, he does not support the Coptic Orthodox Church’s strong political stance in favor of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime, despite its economic and political policies. They believe that these policies have failed to satisfy a large part of the Egyptian public.
The presidential election that is due to take place on March 26-28 has stirred controversy in the media and within the Coptic community. While the Coptic Orthodox Church seems to endorse Sisi most of all other religious institutions, the Coptic youths have differing stances toward the achievements made during Sisi's first presidential term. Some perceive that in comparison with the years that followed the January 25 Revolution, Sisi managed to bring safety to the Coptic Christians; others complain about the country’s economic situation and controversial rapprochement between the church and the ruling regime, and believe that the government has failed in countering terrorism.
